"The Snow Girls"

Pam’s sisters have a special bond. They were known as “the Snow girls” growing up. Dave and Carolyn Snow were their parents. Dave and Carolyn lived with us the last few years of their lives. I was able to see up close and personal how delightful they both were. The years they lived with us were rich in personal connection, deep spiritual conversations and filled with laughter.

With Dave and Carolyn’s nurturing, it’s not surprising that all four of “the Snow girls” grew into wonderfully talented women who are also faithful followers of Jesus.

After Dave and Carolyn passed away, the four sisters began group chatting every six weeks. This has taken deliberate planning and intentional effort. All four women have busy lives. But taking the time to connect with each other has been a priority. As a result, in their “sunset years” their relationships as siblings have deepened. I venture to say that “the Snow girls” are closer to each other now than ever before in their lives.

This special bond eventually led them to begin gathering for a sisters pow-wow once a year. COVID messed up the last gathering. But this year will be the third time that all four women have gathered to share their lives, connect, cry, laugh, pray and drink a bit of wine. Think of it like a slumber party for grandmas! It is a hoot, to be sure.

Aside from being raised in the same home, the most important connection between the four Snow sisters is their mutually passionate commitment to Jesus. Each of them is pursuing this commitment in their unique ways. One is Greek Orthodox. One is Presbyterian. And two are Evangelical.

But Jesus is at the heart of each of their lives and their conversations are peppered with rich spiritual fiber. In fact, Pam’s most fervent prayer for this year’s enclave was that her three sisters would leave Costa Rica with a sense that they had been on a life-giving spiritual retreat.

I’m trying to lay low this week. This is sisters-time, not “my time.” To help out, I sent the ladies to the beach for a couple of nights so they could be by themselves. But even from a distance I’m inspired as I overhear the life-giving conversation and laughter.

If it’s possible to see back to earth from heaven, I have a hunch that Dave and Carolyn must be smiling as they watch their four girls, “the Snow girls,” in their sunset years.